Ash deposition during solid fuel combustion presents significant challenges for the efficiency and longevity of thermal power plants. Understanding the dynamics of this process is, therefore, of critical importance. This study delves into the complex mechanisms involved with a focus on the formation of the initial deposit layer. By highlighting the pivotal role of submicrometer particles in this process, we expand upon our one-decade long studies on this topic and explore a diverse range of fuel types, air-and oxyfiring conditions, and additive tests, with a total of 47 experimental results. First, this work suggests that the yield of submicron (PM 1 ) particles, expressed as a percentage, is a more effective predictor of initial deposit layer formation than its concentration in g/m 3 . Second, we acknowledge the influence of mainstream velocity and temperature gradients on deposition, leading us to introduce a new thermophoresis correction factor. This addresses the probability of submicrometer particles impacting the wall. Furthermore, we examine the influence of PM 1 composition, proposing a glue effect correction factor defined by an empirical value relating to chlorine contents. In conclusion, this study presents an enhanced comprehensive understanding of the initial ash deposition process during solid fuel combustion. This improvement is largely attributed to the integration of a physical model with machine learning techniques. Although the glue effect correction factor requires further investigation, this research offers significant insight into the initial deposition process. It thus charts a course for more efficient strategies to mitigate ash deposition in thermal power plants in the future.